Monday, January 24, 2011

San Francisco Soul Food

Welcome to Off The Grid!

It's been a while since I've had a day like this. "Fun," without a doubt, is far too much of a understatement to even be close to the truth. Lately, the golden sun has come out of hiding, and the San Francisco Bay Area has been lucky enough to experience some of its beautiful rays. I was thrilled when I had Friday off and was able to take advantage of the sunshine, with my very good friend from college, Alex N. We started the day at Off The Grid in San Francisco's Civic Center. As soon as I got off the BART train and felt the soothing sun seep into my skin, I knew it was going to be a sublime day. It was my first time at Off The Grid and I wanted to try everything -- literally. But, Alex, my voice of reason for the day, reasoned that I should pace myself and start off slow. So, in the end, I tried the Hapa SF food truck and their "modern organic Filipino cuisine" and CupKates, the cupcake dessert truck.

Hapa SF

Even at lunch, I am always on the lookout for dressy diners. I didn't want to bother this stunningly dressed San Franciscan, so I hope my creepy, long distance shot will do her justice. Aren't her heels adorable?

My delicious Sisig Tacos from Hapa SF

The food trucks parked in front of San Francisco's City Hall

Spiced Carrot Cake Cupcake from CupKates

Alex's Lumpia from Hapa SF

Off The Grid wasn't just a treat for the tum tums; our ears were treated to the soothing sounds of these jazz players

Lemon Raspberry Cupcake from CupKates

Doug's tasty Chicken Tikka Masala Burrito from Curry Up Now

Photos by: Chandamheer

So What - Miles Davis

At first, I felt slightly unadventurous choosing familiar Filipino food for lunch, but as soon as I sat down and tried the Sisig Tacos I ordered, my mouth was in heaven. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Filipino food, Sisig is a term associated with a style of cooking meat, usually pork. Covered in guacamole, cilantro, and the most mouth-watering and juicy meat I have ever had the pleasure of tasting from a food truck, my tacos with a twist, were worth every penny of the minuscule $6.00 I paid. Alex enjoyed Hapa's Lumpia (think egg-rolls, but way better), which featured a spicy chili dipping sauce and a citrus-infused one. Not ones to skip out on the sweets, we made sure to stop by the CupKates truck for dessert. I enjoyed a rather moist Spiced Carrot Cake cupcake, while Alex tried the tart lemon cupcake topped with raspberry butter-cream frosting.

Feeling full and very satisfied with my food truck experience, it wasn't until my friend, Doug, stopped by and sat down with his Chicken Tikka Masala Burrito from Curry Up Now that I felt like I was missing out on the full food truck experience. Luckily, Doug was kind enough to offer a bite of his flavorful burrito, and all I have to say is, Curry Up Now, I'm coming for you next! With amazingly delicious food, soulful jazz players playing in the background, the sun smiling down on the stunning San Francisco scenery, and the company of all-around awesome friends, all in all, I felt so incredibly lucky to be able to enjoy such a marvelous day in such a marvelous city. Really, it doesn't get much better than that. In fact, as soon as I got home, all I could think was, "Wow, San Francisco, I am so in love with you." Do visit my beautiful hometown, if you ever get a chance.

If you have a food truck you think I should try next, please share your recommendations. I am always looking for yummy places to add to my growing list entitled, "Foods That Must Make it Into My Body," haha! Also, stay tuned for my next post, which will feature the rest of my beautiful day off in the city. I hope you all had a very relaxing weekend and are ready to start off the new week. Happy Monday, my loves!